Copperas Cove renames street after legendary sports announcer

Copperas Cove renames street after legendary sports announcer Image

• Copperas Cove renames street after legendary sports announcer

Jack Welch Sat, 06/22/2024 - 05:49 Body

Legendary sports announcer, Big Joe Lombardi, was posthumously honored by having a street leading into the local football stadium in Copperas Cove, Texas renamed after him. City officials unanimously voted on renaming Sunny Avenue to Joe Lombardi Way. This action demonstrates appreciation for his 45 years of sports announcing, and emceeing city banquets, events and many other voluntary things.

I was greatly honored to be able to speak and, along with my brother, Tracy Welch, unveil the street sign at this monumental occasion. Witnessing the positive step our city officials made in renaming Sunny Avenue to Joe Lombardi Way, I expressed gratitude and appreciation on behalf of thousands of community members and sports fans to City Manager Ryan Haverlah, Mayor Dan Yancy and City Council Members Joann Courtland, Fred Chavez, Shawn Alzona, John Hale, Vonya Hart and Jack Smith.

To name a new street is a great honor but in renaming something, it takes a strong stance and these city officials stepped up and did the right thing for a city icon. City officials continually make decisions impacting several generations within their city. Streets, buildings, stadiums, and many other items are named throughout communities to inspire others, while recognizing a person’s impact on the foundation of the city.

From 1977 to 2022 (45 years), Big Joe announced 458 football games, served with nine head football coaches, served as master of ceremonies for over 1000 sports banquets, announced thousands of other sports games, as well as all city events. He was the announcer for everything in this community literally for 45 years.

This day was an opportunity for all previous head and assistant coaches, school and city officials, community members, and friends to celebrate a person’s dedicated service to their community. Of course, we all know it is difficult for people living far away to come to these kinds of ceremonies but many send their appreciation and admiration through social media. Local news media attended and presented the event to the entire central Texas area.

Joe started announcing when the football program had not had much previous success. Iconic coach Hal Mumme, 1986 to 1988, started a resurgence of community pride in his first year having a 5-5 season. At many schools this might not mean much but for a program winning less than 25% of games in their history, this was a big deal.

During my tenure, 1994-2017, serving as head coach with Big Joe, he announced our 18 state playoff games. This included two state championship appearances, eight district, 10 bi-district, four area, four regional, three quarterfinal, and two state semi-final championships. In 2018, he announced a playoff game with legendary coach Jack Alvarez as head coach.

Regardless of wins and losses though, Big Joe loved the Bulldogs (Bulldawgs) over the years. Whether they won or lost, he was there for the kids and community. In my speech, I said I once saw Joe cut his arm and I witnessed his blood to be blue and gold because those were the colors of Copperas Cove. He was a true-blue supporter.

Again, on behalf of thousands of fans, community members, nine head football coaches, hundreds of other head and assistant coaches, I want to applaud Copperas Cove city officials for renaming the street leading into the stadium Big Joe helped instill pride in for 45 years. The words It’s Another Bulldog (Bulldawg) Touchdown will forever be heard echoing over Bulldog (Bulldawg) Stadium from legendary and iconic announcer Big Joe Lombardi.

------------------------ Thought for the week: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.' Proverbs 22:1 ------------------------- Dr. Jack Welch is an educator and college football coach. His doctorate is in educational administration, and he has been an educator, administrator, and football coach, mentoring young minds, for over 40 years. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching. He can be reached at jackwelch1975@gmail.com.